BEIJING -- Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli has met with a group of executive directors of the World Bank Group and pledged to boost cooperation between the two sides, said a news release on Tuesday.

Zhang met the executive directors on Monday afternoon and exchanged views with them on China's use of World Bank loans, the global economic situation and China's development, according to the release.

"China is ready to continue to cement the partnership with the World Bank," Zhang said, hailing the pragmatic and reciprocal cooperation over the past years.

The vice premier said the World Bank, as a major multilateral financial institution, can play a bigger role in promoting global development since the international economic situation is still grim and complex.

During the meeting, the World Bank delegation pledged to support China's economic and social development as always, according to the release.